Rover SD1 3500cc Twin Plenum Vitesse

Click any image for stunning photographs taken

by 'Lyndon' for "Classic Cars" Rover Feature

Acquired in 1993 this 1986 Rover SD1 3500cc Twin Plenum Vitesse recently appeared in a "Classic Cars" feature on Iconic British Rovers. Styled along the lines of the Ferrari "Daytona" the shape alone caused a sensation when launched in 1976. Eight years later Rover's own racing machine, similar to this, dominated Europes Group A Production Racing thro' the late '80's. My car is the 20th last one off the production line and, perhaps due to the poor build quality that plagued the life of the SD1, is one of the last true All-British Rovers.

This car was my introduction to the Rover SD1 in 1993 and I soon undertook its first restoration. I spent the 14 years since then trying to learn everything I could about the car, particularly the electronic fuel injection system and its many other technicalities. Having written essays about the car for magazines and forums over the years I decided to bring them together along with all the new technical material now featured on this website here and the full story of that restoration during my first full year of ownership here.